An Update from Principal Lenart
October 7, 2022
Dear Lake Forest High School Faculty, Staff, Students, and Families:
Last evening, I reached out to update you regarding a single bullet that was found on the floor of a well-traveled throughway in our library. I have heard from some of you that my message was insufficient and lacked detail.
Investigation
As I said last night, our investigation was painstakingly thorough. For reasons of privacy and security, I cannot share those details with you, but I want to reiterate that we would not have invited our students, faculty, and staff back to school today if we were not confident in the safety of our building with regard to this situation. We have no greater responsibility than the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.
Some of you have also sent recommendations about how we could have responded differently or better to yesterday’s circumstances. I thank you for sharing those ideas. Yet, my hope would be that you would trust my team - and me - to run a complete investigation that reflects the quality and integrity you expect. I can see that I still need to work on earning that trust.
For your own knowledge, our attorney has reviewed my investigation report and has deemed it, “very thorough” and exhaustive of all “reasonable investigation steps.” The report is completely confidential as it includes names, witness statements, and action steps.
As an added precaution this morning, we had already planned to place a marked police car and LFPD School Resource Officer (SRO) at the front of the building, another SRO at the rear entry of the building, and three additional security people (all retired police officers) throughout our building. We will continue to be vigilant and fully investigate anything that poses a possible threat to the safety and security of our school community.
Video
We have also received questions about a video clip that is circulating online. This video was brought to our attention over two weeks ago and, from our findings, is completely unrelated to yesterday's incident. In fairness and out of respect to the student and family, I cannot release any further information. I would hope that any parent would expect the same for their child.
I am in no way downplaying the level of concern we are all feeling about safety and security, particularly given events of recent months. As a parent and a school administrator, I feel that, too. If you see something, say something. As I stated yesterday, we are safest when we are one.
With utmost respect,
Erin
Principal, Lake Forest High School
O: 847-582-7315
Follow me on Twitter: @LenartPrincipal
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